It’s a snow day in Penticton, with the sound of scraping shovels and kids’ laughter. All throughout the city, crews are working overtime to plow the roads and clear the sidewalks. Our arms are sore from digging. Faces are glowing from the cold.
Whether or not you enjoy the snow, here are 10 ways to embrace it – and to make life a little more enjoyable for yourself, or a neighbour, this season.
1. Make a snow angel
Fall back into that fluffy, champagne powder and giggle like a child again.
2. Hit the slopes
With 22 cm of new snow at Apex Mountain Ski Resort in the past 24 hours (to Jan. 6, 2021), skiers and boarders are cutting fresh tracks through boundless powder. And the snow is sure to continue, so dig out the gear! You can pick up day passes at a reduced rate from the Penticton Visitor Centre.
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3. Do some snowshoeing or cross-country skiing
Nickel Plate Nordic Centre is known for its blue skies and endless mountain vistas. It offers 56 km of groomed trails for both classic and skate skiing and 22.5 km of marked snowshoe trails. You’ll also find snowshoeing at Chute Lake Lodge. Snowshoe rentals are also available through Hoodoo Adventures.
4. Take the kids sledding
Break free from the devices and wrap up warm for some old-fashioned fun.
5. Hit the trails on a fat bike
Snow on the trails? That won’t stop a fat bike, which has wider tires and better traction. If you don’t have a fat bike of your own, you can rent one – and set off on your alpine adventure.
6. Build a snow cone or slushie
All you need is a plastic cup and juice, Kool-Aid or other coloured drink mix to add on top. Sprinkles optional.
7. Explore the downtown shops
Boots, toque, jacket? Ready. City crews have been focusing on clearing up the snow in downtown Penticton, so why not get out of the house for some retail therapy?
8. Hire someone to do the shovelling for you
Sure, it’s good exercise, but there comes a point when you might want to hire the professionals. Here are some local snow removal companies. Did we miss your business? Email us at economic.development@penticton.ca and we’ll add you to the list!
- Gorilla Property Services
- Lake to Lake Landscaping
- Norsemen Snow Removal
- Jim’s Mowing
- Southern Interior Landscaping
9. Invest in a snow blower?
Yes, they’re pricey, but so was that trip to Mexico that might be put on hold this year. Try Canadian Tire, Rona Penticton and Home Hardware.
10. Win brownie points with the neighbours
The City asks us to do our best to clear all sidewalks next to our property before 11 a.m. See a property near you that hasn’t done the job yet? Or do you know of a neighbour who might struggle to shovel the path or driveway? Why not be a snow angel and help out?
Other tips: If possible, move your car off the street so plows can clear the roadway. Also, clear snow away from the fire hydrants for easy access by firefighters if needed.
And thirdly, clear any catch basins on your street to allow the water to flow once it starts melting.
For more tips, read this latest news release from the City.
Do you have a fun idea to add to this list? Or did we miss mentioning your business? Tell us about it! Email economic.development@penticton.ca.